How Can I Make Rabbit Pellets?

Louise LawsonUpdated February 21, 2017

Most rabbit owners feed their pets commercially-prepared rabbit pellets because they are nutritious and simple to store. Rabbit pellets are composed of compressed alfalfa, grains and vitamins and can be fed to rabbits of all ages. Some owners do not like the components in commercial feeds and prefer to prepare their own. Making healthy rabbit pellets is fairly simple and allows you to control what your rabbits are eating.

Place 1.36kg. alfalfa hay in a 5-gallon bucket and cover it with hot water. Allow the hay to soak for at least an hour, or until the stems are soft and pliable.

Add the spinach, carrots and apples to the food processor, blending until smooth. Pour this mixture into a large bowl. Place handfuls of hay into the food processor, pulsing on low speed to chop the hay into a coarse pulp. Blend the hay in small batches to keep from burning up your food processor, transferring each batch to the bowl.

Pour the oats and corn oil in the bowl, stirring them into the vegetable purée and hay. Add enough hot water to create a mixture the consistency of pancake batter. Add more oats to the mixture if it is too thin.

Set the pellet moulds on baking trays and oil the inside of each mould to keep the pellets from sticking. Spoon the mixture into the moulds, filling each to the top. Tap the pans on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Transfer the moulds to a 200 degree F oven, allowing the mixture to bake for three hours. Check the pellets for hardness by pressing on them with the back of the spoon. If the spoon sinks into the pellets, allow them to bake for an additional hour.

Remove the pans from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes on the counter. Invert the moulds on the baking trays, tapping the bottom gently to release the pellets. Store the pellets in a plastic container with lid in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

Tip

Metal pellet moulds can be purchased at most sporting goods or hunting supply stores.

References

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Lawson, Louise. "How Can I Make Rabbit Pellets?" , http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6979189_make-own-traeger-pellets.html. 13 May 2017.

Lawson, Louise. (2017, May 13). How Can I Make Rabbit Pellets? . Retrieved from http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6979189_make-own-traeger-pellets.html

Lawson, Louise. "How Can I Make Rabbit Pellets?" last modified May 13, 2017. http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6979189_make-own-traeger-pellets.html

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About the Author

Louise Lawson has been a published author and editor for more than 10 years. Lawson specializes in pet and food-related articles, utilizing her 15 years as a sous chef and as a dog breeder, handler and trainer to produce pieces for online and print publications.